Abstract
Enriching the lives of animals under human care is not a new concept but the methods of doing so are rapidly evolving in zoos. Zoo-based enrichment is traditionally low-tech, often failing to maintain animals’ long-term interest. Meanwhile, evaluating the intricacies of enrichment device use remains difficult. ‘Cognitive’ enrichment aims to challenge animals’ evolved cognitive skills and ACI shows promise in revolutionizing its practice.
We present ‘Gorilla Game Lab’, a project designing, implementing and evaluating high-tech cognitive enrichment with seven zoo-housed Western lowland gorillas. We study the role of modular, tangible cognitive enrichment, assimilating motivational game design principles, in maintaining engaging, playful interactions.
Taking an 'animal-centred' design approach, informed by the gorillas and the humans responsible for their welfare as design contributors, we introduce our rapid prototyping process. We also explore how integrating digital tracking, IoT and open source design, can contribute to creating a world-class method for enhancing zoo animal welfare.
We present ‘Gorilla Game Lab’, a project designing, implementing and evaluating high-tech cognitive enrichment with seven zoo-housed Western lowland gorillas. We study the role of modular, tangible cognitive enrichment, assimilating motivational game design principles, in maintaining engaging, playful interactions.
Taking an 'animal-centred' design approach, informed by the gorillas and the humans responsible for their welfare as design contributors, we introduce our rapid prototyping process. We also explore how integrating digital tracking, IoT and open source design, can contribute to creating a world-class method for enhancing zoo animal welfare.
Original language | English |
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Title of host publication | ACI '18 Proceedings of the Fifth International Conference on Animal-Computer Interaction |
DOIs | |
Publication status | Published - 4 Dec 2018 |
Event | Fifth International Conference on Animal Computer Interaction - Georgia Tech, Atlanta, United States Duration: 2 Jan 2018 → … https://sites.google.com/view/aci2018/home |
Conference
Conference | Fifth International Conference on Animal Computer Interaction |
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Country/Territory | United States |
City | Atlanta |
Period | 2/01/18 → … |
Internet address |
Research Groups and Themes
- Bristol Interaction Group
Keywords
- Cognitive enrichment
- Animal Welfare
- Games
- Gorilla Play
- Zoo
- Animal Computer Interaction